Metropolitan Police Service vehicle renewal project and police horses (1)

Siân Berry: The Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) is currently procuring new vehicles for their fleet, due to arrive from 2021. If the MPS is procuring new riot vehicles, will you seriously consider retiring police horses from riot policing?

The Mayor: The policing of public order, and maintaining the safety of all involved, is both important and challenging.
The Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) must maintain a range of tactical options to ensure they can best respond to any given circumstances and manage any risks accordingly.
The MPS believes that the deployment of its Mounted Branch brings distinct operational benefits that are complimentary, but separate to, other tactics and as such intends to retain its use.

High streets (1)

Leonie Cooper: What support have you provided to London’s high streets during the COVID-19 pandemic?

The Mayor: My London Growth Hub continues to support London-based businesses to manage and mitigate exposure to COVID-19 and myPay it Forward campaign is helping Londoners support businesses which are currently struggling across hospitality, retail and leisure.
In the short-term, we must provide confidence to London’s citizens and businesses that it is safe and beneficial to return to the high street. My team has been working with partners to coordinate multi agency activity to ensure a safe and confident reopening, addressing both safety and economic recovery issues.
As we look to recovery, I envisage London as a city defined by resilient local economies with high streets that nurture small businesses and provide community lifelines. I have already directed £35m of my Good Growth Fund investments towards high streets and town centre. My London Plan calls for the adaptation of town centres and my High Streets - Adaptive Strategies guidance has been reviewed by my Design Advocates and external experts to test its applicability to support boroughs and others in developing strategies for recovery and renewal.

Office planning permissions

Nicky Gavron: How much net new office floorspace was granted planning permission in the year 2019/20, in each London Borough?

The Mayor: The London boroughs are currently submitting the permissions data for 2019/20 so it is not yet possible to produce the borough-level figures requested. The latest data on non-residential approvals is on the London Datastore (Planning permissions on the London Development Database (LDD), https://data.london.gov.uk/dataset/planning-permissions-on-the-london-development-database--ldd-) and a summary table has been provided with the data for 2018/19. This does not include permissions where the loss or gain of floorspace is below 1,000 sqm.
The London Development Database is due to be replaced with the new Planning London Datahub. This will draw permissions data directly from the boroughs without the need for manual input, which will improve the timeliness and accuracy of the data. The first phase of the project will be going live over the summer, with the second phase – which will provide a range of specific data about development proposals, including uses and floorspace – going live later in the year.
Net office floorspace approved during 2018/19
Borough
Sum of Net B1a (m2)
Barking and Dagenham
-1,102
Barnet
-6,542
Bexley
3,673
Brent
-31,403
Bromley
-4,100
Camden
62,738
City of London
260,422
Croydon
-59,976
Ealing
-12,791
Enfield
6,552
Greenwich
-14,709
Hackney
26,956
Hammersmith and Fulham
19,141
Haringey
2,308
Harrow
-1,079
Havering
-11,664
Hillingdon
-666
Hounslow
-36,758
Islington
69,275
Kensington and Chelsea
18,973
Kingston upon Thames
-5,844
Lambeth
63,910
Lewisham
-1,937
London Legacy DC
26,285
Merton
2,377
Newham
-17,917
Old Oak and Park Royal DC (OPDC)
0
Redbridge
-1,674
Richmond upon Thames
-3,616
Southwark
33,883
Sutton
-2,348
Tower Hamlets
51,169
Waltham Forest
-2,920
Wandsworth
65,881
Westminster
22,166
Grand Total
518,663
Source: London Development Database
Note: Only permissions proposing a loss or gain of 1,000m2 are included in the data set

Covid19 related fraud

Susan Hall: How many Covid19 related fraud offences have been detected by the Met?

The Mayor: Please see the attached table.

Culture at Risk Business Support Fund and Lambeth & Southwark Organisations.

Florence Eshalomi MP: How much of the Culture at Risk Business Support Fund has been dispersed to Lambeth & Southwark Organisations?

The Mayor: My £2.3 million Culture at Risk Business Support Fund is providing emergency assistance to sustain cultural and creative venues most at risk of falling into administration, and who are unable to benefit from Government schemes or funding from Arts Council England. To date, £168,805 has been distributed in grants to Southwark and £17,058 to Lambeth businesses. Additional specialist business support has been provided for creative businesses in all London boroughs through my Culture at Risk Office and the London Growth Hub.
Funding for businesses adversely effected by COVID-19 has also been announced by Lambeth and Southwark Councils. My teams will work with both councils to ensure that these funds are allocated strategically, providing a vital safety net for cultural and creative businesses.

Digital divide

Jennette Arnold: At the Education Select Committee on April 29th [2020], the Secretary of State would not commit to expanding the free laptops scheme to all those children who need it, not just those in a few year groups. What could you do from City Hall, working with London’s world leading tech sector, to cover these gaps?

The Mayor: Last month I wrote to the Secretary of State for Education stating my concern about the limitations of the government’s offer. In London, we need the digital access scheme to be rolled out across secondary school and beyond so that all of London’s children can access the tools they need to continue their education whilst schools are closed to the majority of students. We know that gaps in achievement between the most and least advantaged start early, typically widen and become more difficult to close as time goes on. Now more than ever we need to recognise this and that every phase of education is crucial.
My officers have continued to liaise with the Association of London Directors of Children's Services and London Councils to better understand how the government’s free laptop scheme is meeting the needs of London schools. Many boroughs are reporting that the numbers of devices allocated to them does not meet demand. Further issues have arisen relating to deployment and IT support with other significant concerns being length of licencing and data, as well as availability of the offer to other year groups.
In response to Covid-19, the London Grid for Learning, which was set up by London local authorities in 2001, has tendered for up to 2m devices nationally to save schools money and ensure continuity of education provision. This process has secured device prices from the tech sector that represent a significant saving over current market prices, with entry level laptops available with significant savings. More information can be found at devices.lgfl.net.
I will continue to listen to the education sector’s needs and work with them to secure the best possible offer for young Londoners.

Workplace closures

Unmesh Desai: How many workplaces has the Met been required to enforce the closure of due to Coronavirus Public Health regulations?

The Mayor: All MPS workplaces have remained open with strict social distancing measures in place to ensure all staff continue to adhere to Government guidelines.

Coronavirus Fixed Penalty Notices - ‘No fixed address’

Unmesh Desai: How many Fixed Penalty Notices has the Met reported to ACRO where the suspect has been noted as having ‘No fixed address’?

The Mayor: I have been informed by the MPS that no Fixed Penalty Notices have been authorised and sent to ACRO for a breach of Coronavirus legislation where the person has provided no fixed address/no fixed abode.

ASB and youth violence after lockdown

Andrew Dismore: What is being done to ensure that there is no return to violence and muggings of young people when lockdown is lifted?

The Mayor: My officers at City Hall are working closely with commissioned and funded services, and wider stakeholders to understand what adaptions can be made to ensure youth services can respond to a potential increase in tensions on the streets. The VRU is working with external stakeholders to develop a strategy for supporting vulnerable young people more likely to be involved in violence and/or being exploited post-lockdown.
The MPS continues to focus on violence in all its forms, as the lock down is gradually lifted. Dedicated teams have been established at local level to suppress criminal activity.
I have written to the Prime Minister asking for young people and youth services to be prioritised in plans around the easing of lockdown, setting out a key number of recommendations for immediate action.

Night-time economy

Leonie Cooper: What impact has the COVID-19 pandemic had on London’s night time economy and what support have you been able to provide during this? Is there any more that the Government can do to support this sector?

The Mayor: London’s night time economy is worth £26bn a year. Night time businesses have been some of the first and worst affected by COVID-19 and many face going out of business. I launched my Culture at Risk Business Support Fund to provide emergency assistance for businesses most at risk who have been left out of Government schemes, including grassroots music and LGBTQ+ venues. My Pay It Forward scheme is helping night time businesses raise money with Londoners’ support.
My Night Czar held ten industry specific roundtables including with music venues, LGBTQ+ venues, and licensed venues, to understand the immediate impact of COVID-19 and the support needed as lockdown restrictions ease. Finding ways to re-open safely is the number one challenge for night time businesses.
The Government must do more. The Job Retention Scheme must be flexible and remainin placeforlong enoughto support businesses until theycan viably reopen. They must investinaconsumer confidence campaign that encouragesthe public to return safely to public spaces; and provideclearguidance, training and financial support toenablecreative and night-time venuesto reopen safely.

Stop and search use and Fixed Penalty Notices

Unmesh Desai: How many people were stopped and searched who were then reported for a fixed penalty notice under the coronavirus public health regulations since March 2020?

The Mayor: I have been informed that the MPS cannot provide the data for this question as there is no direct link between the separate systems for recording fixed penalty notices (FPNs) and for recording stop and searches.

Stop and search taser use

Unmesh Desai: How many stop and search incidents in each of the past 12 months lead to an officer deploying taser tactics on the person stopped?

The Mayor: I have been informed that the MPS does not record the specific use of Taser deployment during Stop and Search encounters and does not have data relating to this question. It is not feasible to cross-reference the data the MPS does hold.
The MPS Use of Force dashboard is publicly available should you wish to view data on use of force and taser records.
Stop and search data is also available on the MPS website.
https://www.met.police.uk/sd/stats-and-data/

High streets (2)

Leonie Cooper: What challenges do London’s high streets face when opening up some shops in June?

The Mayor: The reopening of non-essential shops is welcome news for retailers and their workers. Many businesses have seen their income dry up completely during the COVID-19 crisis. The challenge is to ensure that reopening is undertaken in a way that doesn’t risk the health of customers, staff and prevents further spread of coronavirus.
People must continue to avoid public transport and shop in their local area as much as possible, and businesses and local authorities will need to work together to ensure that appropriate queuing and social distancing measures are strictly adhered to. It is vital all have confidence that the required health and hygiene protections are fully in place. All premises will also need to carry out an appropriate covid-19 risk assessment.
My officers are working with Local Authorities, the Metropolitan Police, Transport for London and other partners to ensure a safe and secure reopening. Working with councils, we have done a huge amount of work to create more safe space for walking and cycling. Widening streets, pavements and public spaces will remain a key part of re-opening our economy safely.

Covid-19 Fraud

Unmesh Desai: How many fraud cases have been reported to the Met police where the suspect has imitated Government messages relating to the Coronavirus?

The Mayor: Please see the attached table.

Outdoor dining

Tony Devenish: What are you doing to encourage boroughs to fast-track outdoor dining to save food and drink businesses from closure, as for example is being pioneered in New York by architect David Rockwell?

The Mayor: There is important opportunity in restaurants, cafes and bars being able to open outside this summer as this will be critical to their finances and getting London’s economy moving. However, in reopening hospitality businesses essential that we do not risk the health of customers and staff.
My officers are working with Local Authorities, the Metropolitan Police, Transport for London and other partners to ensure a safe and secure reopening. Working with councils, TfL and other partners have created more safe space for walking and cycling. Widening streets, pavements and public spaces will remain a key part of re-opening our economy safely. I am committed to ensuring that learning from other cities is considered as we plan the safe reopening of London. My officers will look at experience and ideas from New York and other cities.
Regardless, people must continue to avoid public transport and stay in their local area as much as possible, and businesses and local authorities will need to work together to ensure that appropriate queuing and social distancing measures are strictly enforced.

Business Support Grants

Tony Devenish: Westminster Council was the first in the UK to award all their business support grants to businesses within their borough, whilst some other boroughs have been slow to award their grants. What have you been doing and what will you be doing to support Borough Councils in administering this grant funding?

The Mayor: Since April, my team has been monitoring weekly the allocation of business support grants by boroughs from the data that is released by Government. We are aware that there has been disparity in the speed that boroughs have been able to distribute grants. My team regularly discussed with London Councils and sought to ensure coordination through bodies such as the pan-London COVID-19 Strategic Coordination Group.
As of 8 June, 86.5 per cent of grants had been allocated to London businesses by boroughs. Boroughs are working to distribute the final 13.4 per cent. There are a range of reasons why boroughs have not paid out the full 100 per cent including the difficulty of reaching those business who do not pay business rates.

Olympia Exhibition Centre Development

Tony Devenish: As amendments are currently being brought forward to the original planning permission for this development, has the GLA had any discussions with the developer and LBHF about bringing forward further amendments to address social distancing and related public health concerns? If not, will you urge the developer to consider this?

The Mayor: The proposed works to refurbish and extend the Olympia Exhibition Centre are planned for completion in 2024. Public access to the new venues would be controlled by the venue operators having regard to the circumstances at the time. However, the proposals also involve improvements to the existing public realm surrounding the site, including the pedestrianisation of Olympia Way, which would significantly increase the capacity to safely accommodate pedestrians using the venues. An application for minor amendments to the extant planning permission has recently been submitted and is under consideration. The proposals, and arrangements for construction works, will be reviewed to ensure that they are consistent with social distancing measures and TfL’s Streetspace for London plan. For instance in this case, the works will need to accommodate measures associated with the planned early delivery of highway improvements for cycling which run alongside the site.

Affordable homes (3)

Andrew Boff: How many developments approved since 2016 have met your target for 50% affordable homes? Please provide a breakdown by financial year.

The Mayor: Since April 2016, 294 approved developments providing 10 or more homes have provided 50 per cent or more affordable housing. The number of approved developments with 50 per cent or more affordable housing by year is: 2016/17 – 79; 2017/18 – 72; 2018/19 – 84; 2019/20 – 59.
Notes: The data is provided by boroughs for the London Development Database (09/06/2020). The data relates to full and outline permissions for schemes with 10 or more residential units because smaller schemes are not normally required to provide onsite affordable housing. Data for 2019/20 is incomplete so is indicative only.

Affordable homes (4)

Andrew Boff: What percentage of all developments approved since 2016 have met your target for 50% affordable homes? Please provide a breakdown by financial year.

The Mayor: The proportion of schemes with 10 or more residential units providing 50 per cent or more affordable housing has risen to nearly a quarter in 2019/20 (24 per cent), from 19 per cent in 2016/17, 21 per cent in 2017/18 and 22 per cent in 2018/19. These figures include a large number of smaller sites of 10 to 50 homes where it can be more difficult to deliver affordable housing and attract demand from housing associations given the smaller number of homes involved. It is also the case that not all schemes are required to provide 50 per cent affordable housing under the Threshold approach in my new London Plan. My approach to affordable housing will carry greater weight once my new London Plan has been adopted which will help to increase the delivery of much needed affordable housing further.
Notes: data is provided by boroughs for the London Development Database (09/06/2020). It relates to schemes with 10 or more residential units which are required to provide onsite affordable housing. The data for 2019/20 is incomplete so is indicative only.

Appeals system for young Londoners disadvantaged by the grades awarding system

Jennette Arnold: I recently wrote to the Secretary of State for Education and Ofqual calling on them to address unfair pitfalls in the system for awarding grades this year. To help mitigate this unfairness, how will you be supporting young people this year who may need more guidance than usual to access the appeals process and other opportunities available to them?

The Mayor: In May, I wrote to the Secretary of State for Education expressing concerns about the current proposals for the grading of GCSE and A level exams. Evidence suggests that unconscious bias in teacher assessment could lead to under-prediction for some students including those from disadvantaged backgrounds and Black and Minority Ethnic students.
Given these concerns, I urged the Government to provide clear information for students and parents on the appeals process. I also called for Ofqual to consider the potential barriers that disadvantaged families may face if they need to appeal a decision and take action to mitigate these.
The London Community Response Fund enables specialist organisations to access funding to help BAME and disadvantaged families navigate the appeals process. I am also investing £30 million of European Social Funding on youth employability support, which includes improving the careers education offer in schools and colleges. My team is working with the organisations running these projects to support young people in Years 11 to 13, who are at risk of falling out of education or employment, transition from school or college to their next steps.

Brexit

Peter Whittle: Given that today’s MQT falls on the 205th anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo – another occasion on which this country saved Europe from tyranny, could the Mayor please explain what he hopes to achieve by petitioning Her Majesty’s Government for an extension to the Brexit transition period?

The Mayor: Firstly, I would invite Assembly Member Whittle to read some history – he will find that the Battle of Waterloo was won by this country fighting alongside a coalition of European allies.
The Covid-19 pandemic poses an even graver threat to Londoners’ jobs and livelihoods than Brexit; with a global recession now unavoidable.
Businesses are faced with the impossible challenge of having to plan for any number of potential outcomes to the negotiations, while also trying to survive the current crisis. The damage and uncertainty that a no-deal outcome would bring would severely hamper our recovery.
This is why I have written to the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Michael Gove urging the Government to put political ideology aside, and pursue the pragmatic route of seeking an extension to the negotiations so that we and our European partners can focus on recovery from Covid-19, the biggest health, social and economic emergency we have faced since the Second World War.

Lockdown: enforcement

Andrew Dismore: The National Police Chiefs’ Council and Association of Police and Crime Commissioners are reported to have told ministers that most lockdown issues are now a ‘personal and moral responsibility’ rather than a policing issue, and the government had accepted that police had ‘retreated’ to engaging, explaining and encouraging rather than enforcing the lockdown. Do you consider this approach to be appropriate?

The Mayor: The Met will continue to engage, explain, encourage and, if necessary, enforce the powers afforded to officers by The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (England) Regulations 2020.
It should be noted that enforcement will continue to be used as a last resort. I am pleased to see that the Met has issued a relatively small number of fixed penalty notices which demonstrates the success the MPS has had engaging, explaining and encouraging the public to comply with the regulations. For the period of 27 March to 11 May 2020, 906 FPNs related to Covid 19 were issued by the MPS.

Exploitation and Covid-19

Unmesh Desai: What work have you and the Met undertaken to protect victims of modern slavery, who have been placed at greater risk due to the Coronavirus crisis?

The Mayor: The MPS continues to bear down on perpetrators of modern slavery during the Coronavirus crisis. The Modern Slavery Child Exploitation Unit has around 100 officers dedicated to this issue, with a plan to increase the team to over 150. Recently, the Modern-Day Slavery Investigation Team carried out a day of action, targeting the sexual exploitation of women at brothels in Westminster. This resulted in six arrests and led to a second investigation focused on perpetrators using the proceeds of crime to fund their luxurious lifestyles.
Furthermore, last year I provided £10,000 to support the Modern Slavery Helpline, operated by the charity Unseen which I have matched again this year. This provides vital advice to victims and is a valuable source of intelligence for all police forces, as they continue to offer a vital service during the Covid-19 pandemic, for those who are vulnerable and in exploitative situations.

Councils allowing developers to defer affordable housing payments (1)

Siân Berry: Government guidance issued on 13 May 2020, has told councils to allow small and medium-sized (SME) developers to defer their Section 106 and Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) obligations. Is this the right choice for London?

The Mayor: Section 106 and Community Infrastructure Levy financial contributions provide important funding for infrastructure and other measures to mitigate the impacts of development. Given the impact of the lockdown period on developer cashflow, allowing for a time-limited deferral of payments to help ensure that development and the benefits that this brings - including planning contributions - is delivered, is the right response in these unprecedented times.
However, I do not agree with the government’s approach of encouraging authorities to allow for delays to the delivery of affordable housing. Affordable housing is normally sold by developers to housing associations at an early stage in the development process. Delaying this would reduce developer cashflow and increase market risk. This would slow development and be counter-productive, at a time when affordable housing is needed more than ever.

Covid 19: Health and safety [1]

Andrew Dismore: Are you satisfied with the resources available to and activities of the HSE in London in relation to enforcing health and safety in building sites and factories in light of the Covid 19 pandemic?

The Mayor: The return to work must be safe. It is therefore imperative that the Health and Safety Executive who are responsible for the encouragement, regulation and enforcement of workplace health, safety and welfare are properly resourced at this time.
Central government must fund and monitor proactive inspections of workplaces by the HSE, to ensure workplaces remain Covid-19 secure and remove the burden on workers to whistle-blow.
It was right that the government announced additional funding 10 per cent increase and £14 million investment in the Health and Safety Executive to perform spot checks. I support Trade Union calls for the resumption of these checks in a safe way and engage with both union representatives and business groups to understand how effective these are and will support calls for more resources if needed.

LEAP Spending

Shaun Bailey: What was the total amount of money distributed and spent by LEAP in the 2019/20 financial year?

The Mayor: Please see below the requested information:
Programme
Total
Further Education Capital Fund
£12,380,000
Skills for Londoners Capital Fund
£10,592,000
Mayor Construction Academy
£1,776,000
London Regeneration Fund
£646,000
Digital Skills
£1,052,000
Small Sites
£453,000
Cleaner Heat Cashback
£135,000
Air Quality
£720,000
Good Growth Fund
£13,962,000
Growth Deal Programmes Total
£41,716,000
Other Programmes
Total
Growing Places Fund
£768,000
Core Funding
£595,000
Growth Hub Funding
£1,255,000
Other Programmes Total
£2,618,000
Total
£44,334,000
Other Programmes
Total
Land and Property Royal Docks – Enterprise Zone - 2 Year budget
£4,269,000
Land and Property Royal Docks – Enterprise Zone – Delivery Plan
£1,918,000
TOTAL LEAP PROGRAMMES
£50,521,000

Timetable for Good Growth Funding Release

Jennette Arnold: Please detail the revised timeframes (if any) for funding release from the Good Growth Fund due to COVID-19 and lockdown.

The Mayor: My officers have been working closely with funding recipients to identify how the GLA can be a responsive funder. We have continued to make payments to existing projects in a timely fashion and continue to explore further flexibilities that will relieve pressures on our partners. Restrictions and social distancing measures made necessary by the Covid-19 pandemic have meant that projects have been hit with inevitable delays and cost increases.
We are also working to get new projects into contract as soon as possible to release much needed funding.

Business Advisory Board Response to Covid-19

Shaun Bailey: What actions has the Business Advisory Board taken in response to the Covid-19 pandemic?

The Mayor: The Business Advisory Board, as its name suggests, is an advisory body, which provides advice and acts as a sounding board. It has no executive or decision-making functions.
Throughout the unfolding Covid-19 crisis I have kept BAB members informed of key policies and advocacy asks and communicated regularly with them. This has enabled the members to amplify important City Hall messages and disseminate information and updates through their organisations and beyond through their wider business networks.
The Business Advisory Board will next meet (virtually) in early July to discuss the economic recovery work that will be required in London over the coming months.

ASB

Steve O'Connell: ASB is up 221% in London during the Covid-19 pandemic. What are the main reasons behind this?

The Mayor: Since the announcement of lockdown measures by the Prime Minister in March, a noticeable increase had occurred in the number of demands received by the MPS in its contact centre, MetCC, in relation to what the MPS on its Command & Control System classify as ‘ASB - Rowdy and Inconsiderate Behaviour.’
Calls from the public have mainly focused on groups of people that did not appear to be observing government guidelines on lockdown and social distancing. Over the last two months - most callers have been reporting the ‘Inconsiderate’ behaviour of others in terms of People not observing Government Guidance.
Dip samples of calls show that in nearly all cases it is not ‘harmful or rowdy behaviour’ in the traditional police context - but ‘inconsiderately’ not observing the guidelines. This is also backed up by the reduction in traditional ‘crime calls’.
In fact, since the Government has eased ‘lockdown’ and social distancing advice, the MPS has experienced a reduction in Covid related ASB calls.

Disproportionate use of coronavirus police powers against black Londoners (1)

Siân Berry: What is your response to the latest data from the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) that clearly shows that black Londoners have been much more likely to be issued with a fixed penalty notice or placed under arrest by police using the new emergency coronavirus powers?

The Mayor: We do still have much more to do to build trust, confidence and understanding between the police and London’s diverse communities.
That’s why I am working closely with the Met Commissioner, taking a zero-tolerance approach to racism and discrimination, and striving to ensure the Met’s workforce is truly representative of our city at all levels.
And it’s why I have commissioned my Deputy Mayor for Communities and Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime to work with police and communities to draw up an action plan for improving trust and confidence, transparency and accountability and will be looking at enacting it as quickly as possible while understanding we are dealing with very deep rooted issues. The police have come a long way but there is more that needs to be done.

Night Time Economy Covid-19

Shaun Bailey: What measures have you put in place to support London's night time economy in response to Covid-19?

The Mayor: London’s night time economy is worth £26bn a year. Night time businesses have been some of the first and worst affected by COVID-19 and many face going out of business. I launched my Culture at Risk Business Support Fund to provide emergency assistance for businesses most at risk who have been left out of Government schemes, including grassroots music and LGBTQ+ venues. My Pay It Forward scheme is helping night time businesses like pubs and night club to raise money with Londoners’ support.
My Night Czar has so far held ten industry specific roundtables including with music venues, LGBTQ venues, and licensed venues, to understand the immediate impact of COVID-19 and the support needed as lockdown restrictions ease. Finding ways to re-open safely is the number one challenge for night time businesses.
The Government could do more by ensuring that the Job Retention Scheme is flexible and remainsin placeforlong enoughto support businesses until theycan viably reopen; investinginaconsumer confidence campaign that encouragesthe public to return safely to public spaces; and providingclearguidance, training and financial support toenablecreative and night-time venuesto reopen safely.

Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection Unit polices

Unmesh Desai: What changes were made to the Parliamentary and Diplomatic units policies related to the protection provided at Downing Street, following the incident that took place there on 29th August 2019, which the Met Police released a press statement on?

The Mayor: The MPS has provided the following information regarding change to the Parliamentary and Diplomatic unit’s policies following the 29th August 2019: -
If assistance is requested from the House involving circumstances outside of normal day-to-day duties, then advice must be sought from the Downing Street Liaison Sergeant or Inspector. If they are unavailable the Downing Street Police Sergeant or Rx1 (supervisor) will advise.
This has been communicated as an update to Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection staff

Working from home (2)

Leonie Cooper: What support can you or your Good Work Standard provide to workers and employers in London, to support mental and physical health when working from home, including appropriate health and safety advice?

The Mayor: Working from home has helped to suppress the virus in London and save lives. London’s Growth Hub has information for employers on homeworking including collaboration tools and information on managing physical and mental health.
Workplace wellbeing is a key pillar in my Good Work Standard, the health and safety of employees is critical. My Good Work Standard signposts employers to the key Health and Safety Executive guidance documents and standards. It encourages organisations to consider making reasonable adjustments to ensure workers with disabilities or physical or mental health conditions are not disadvantaged. Through my Good Work Standard we are working with employers to highlight good practice and learning opportunities.
My teams promote the Good Work Standard side by side with the London Healthy Workplace Award. Through Thrive LDN we are working together with organisations to ensure the mental health of Londoners remains a priority.

£50m reopening high streets safely fund

Leonie Cooper: How much of the Government’s £50m reopening high streets safely fund will London’s high streets receive? Can you also include a breakdown for the amount for each high street or borough if this information is available?

The Mayor: The government has allocated £8m to London’s Boroughs as part of the £50m reopening high streets safely fund. The money will allow local authorities to put in place additional measures to establish a safe trading environment for businesses and customers. The grant awards will be available to access from the 1st of June and up until the end of March 2021.
The attached document has a breakdown of the amount for each borough in London.

Workers’ rights

Leonie Cooper: How will you support Londoners’ working conditions through London’s economic recovery?

The Mayor: I have long championed good work based on fair pay and contracts, workplace safety and wellbeing, skills and progression and diversity and inclusion. The economic impact of the outbreak will be far-reaching and long-lasting - as London comes out of lockdown, I will continue to speak with business leaders about what needs to be put in place to protect employers and workers.
As the lockdown eases, it is essential people have the confidence that they will remain safe at work or on public transport. Government must engage inproper dialogue with employers, employees and trade unions, offer clear guidance around social distancing, and the resources they need to put new measures in place. In situations where employers don’t comply with regulations, I fully support the work of Health and Safety Executive.
I’ll provide support to employers through the London Growth Hub and support workers to understand their rights through the Employment Rights Hub.

Four Day Week

Leonie Cooper: Can you conduct an assessment as to whether a four day week would support London’s economic recovery from COVID-19 and the expected recession?

The Mayor: The GLA does not currently have plans to assess whether a four day week would support London’s economy recovery. I am committed to learning from the experience of other cities to support London’s economic recovery from COVID-19 and, together with the Recovery Board, will be assessing the merits of different policy approaches. I will continue to promote the benefits of flexible working to all employers as part of the Good Work Standard.

Flexible Working

Leonie Cooper: Will your London Recovery Board look into expanding flexible working, particularly in those sectors which have encountered barriers to pursuing more flexible working?

The Mayor: Research from Timewise shows that 87% of people already work flexibly or would like to work flexibly. Flexible working has benefits for both the employer and employee and we have seen a step-change in flexible working during the lockdown. Part-time working, job sharing and working from home can help people maintain a better work/ life balance and create a more inclusive workplace.
I am strong advocate of flexible working and promote it through my Good Work Standard. There are great examples of flexible working that benefits both employer and employee in nursing, teaching and retail- showing it is possible in a range of sectors.
The London Growth Hub will be hosting webinars with Timewise to showcase the possibilities with flexible working and to share top tips on how to overcome barriers.
The lockdown has demonstrated that many jobs can be done more flexibly and that the Recovery Board, which I chair with London Councils, will ensure that we learn from this experience as questions about the long term economic and social recovery are considered and new ways of working evolve.

Equal Pay Act

Leonie Cooper: Will your Economic Fairness Team look at ways to commemorate 50 years of the Equal Pay Act, and look into how we can reduce inequality in London when it comes to women’s pay?

The Mayor: The Equal Pay Act was a vital piece of legislation that gave men and women in Britain the right to equal pay for the same work and followed many years of campaigning. The Equality Trust’s May report marking 50 years since the Act commemorates these efforts and also highlights that there is still more do to tackle pay discrimination.
Pay transparency across organisations is essential as part of an end to pay discrimination, not just for women, but for all. The Government should reinstate the requirement to report their Gender Pay Gap. Programmes such as the GLA’s ‘Our Time’ initiative which supports women’s progression also play an important role.
It is more important than ever to focus on fair pay and reducing inequality. Following the coronavirus crisis, the GLA’s teams will focus on economic and social recovery and ensuring that London comes back more equal, greener and better.

Gender Pay Gap

Leonie Cooper: A report from the Institute for Fiscal Studies and the UCL Institute of Education found that mothers in England are more likely than fathers to have lost their jobs during lockdown, thereby increasing fears that the coronavirus crisis has exacerbated inequality and could lead to the gender pay gap increasing. How can you support businesses in London to continue to address the gender pay gap during an economic crisis?

The Mayor: The gender pay gap has existed unchallengedfor far too long. That same report also found that during the lockdown working mothers have seen a bigger reduction, proportionally, in their hours of work than fathers and are more likely to be spending their work hours simultaneously trying to care for children. To address the unemployment and the disproportionate impact on mothers we must work in partnership to find ways to provide effective skills and employment support as well as affordable, high quality childcare to get them back into work. I will be working with the Government to explore ways to do this, including through my Early Years Hub programme, the adult skills system and the unique expertise of London boroughs.
Pay transparency across organisations is essential part of ending pay discrimination. The Government should reinstate gender pay gap reporting and I call on employers to voluntarily publish their gender pay gap as well as their ethnicity pay gap. We continue to support businesses to tackle this issue through the London Growth Hub and my Good Work Standard.

Furloughed Londoners (1)

Leonie Cooper: How many Londoners have been furloughed since the scheme opened? Do you have a breakdown by sector, gender and age?

The Mayor: London accounted for 12 per cent of the total UK employments furloughed with approximately 1.07 million furloughed employments – the highest number amongst regions. This is according to official statistics published by HMRC based on data from the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and Self-Employment Income Support Scheme on all claims up until 31 May. Sector, gender and age breakdowns for regions are not yet available. HMRC data about the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme, and the VAT payments deferral scheme can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/hmrc-coronavirus-covid-19-statistics

Good Work Standard

Leonie Cooper: Can you provide an update of your work on the Good Work Standard and how many businesses are now accredited?

The Mayor: Launched in July 2019, the Good Work Standard is a benchmark for high employment standards with fair pay at its heart – its criteria covering pay and conditions, wellbeing, skills and progression, diversity and recruitment.
To date 80 employers have been accredited to the scheme. These employers’ range in size and span across many different sectors and collectively employ more than 207,000 staff. The scheme has also resulted in 17 employers successfully becoming London Living Wage accredited with the Living Wage Foundation.
During the COVID-19 crisis the GLA has continued to engage with employers on this important initiative and support businesses through the accreditation process.

Good Growth Fund

Jennette Arnold: Please explain how the Good Growth Fund is continuing to support regeneration in London during the lockdown?

The Mayor: Back in March I announced the final round of my Good Growth Fund, allocating £23.7 million to support more than 40 ambitious and innovative regeneration projects across the capital. In total, the Fund has supported 138 projects and allocated more than £75 million. Good Growth Fund projects are supporting a range of organisations and activities that are vital to supporting communities during the pandemic, and which will be vital to London’s recovery.
For example, I have allocated more than £35 million to help London’s high streets adapt, and £21 million to charities that are providing crucial support and services to Londoners.

Trees (2)

Andrew Boff: What consideration have you given to the suitability of Tree Protection Orders and whether or not they provide adequate protection for trees in London and in the city's conservation areas?

The Mayor: My London Plan is clear that boroughs should protect veteran trees and ancient woodlands in their development plans and retain trees of value wherever possible in development proposals.
Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) are the main mechanism by which Local Planning Authorities (LPAs) can protect individual trees through the planning system. In conservation areas LPAs must be given six weeks’ notice before work can be carried out on any trees not yet the subject of a TPO that have a trunk diameter of more than 75mm when measured at 1.5m from ground level. This system is well established and gives LPAs adequate powers to protect trees of amenity value where expedient. Boroughs should use their powers of enforcement to prevent unauthorised works to trees.
The Government’s Environment Bill will also introduce a new duty on local highway authorities to consult with communities before felling street trees, with the aim of increasing transparency of decision-making.

Trees (3)

Andrew Boff: Would you consider working with Local Authorities to explore whether current legislation on Tree Protection Orders needs to be reformed to further protect London's trees?

The Mayor: I am happy to continue to work with Local Authorities to promote the protection and expansion of London’s urban forest, including through the London Urban Forest Partnership.
I am not aware that there are particular problems with the current legislation on Tree Preservation Orders, however there may be some variation in how this legislation is applied at the local level. I would encourage boroughs to use the full range of their existing powers to ensure trees of value are protected.

Maintaining children’s education

Jennette Arnold: What support are you providing to London’s families to ensure no child falls behind on learning while schools are closed?

The Mayor: My London Learning at Home platform continues to expand, now listing free learning offers from over 50 organisations across London. In its first two weeks, it was in the top 10 most visited pages on London.gov.uk and has since amassed ~9,000 page views, demonstrating its continued value.
However, we know some families don’t have sufficient digital access for home learning. On 7 May, I wrote to the Secretary of State for Education to express the need for a rapid and wider roll-out of their technology support scheme. My officers are liaising with London councils to understand the impact this is having and where further support is needed.
We also need a significant catch-up programme for our most disadvantaged students. I am pleased to see that the Education Endowment Foundation, Sutton Trust, Impetus and Nesta have launched a new online tuition pilot. My officers will be following this closely to understand how best we can build on this in London.

Retail planning permissions

Nicky Gavron: How much net new retail floorspace was granted planning permission in the year 2019/20, in each London Borough?

The Mayor: The London boroughs are currently submitting the permissions data for 2019/20 so it is not yet possible to produce the borough-level figures requested. The latest data on non-residential approvals is on the London Datastore (Planning permissions on the London Development Database (LDD), https://data.london.gov.uk/dataset/planning-permissions-on-the-london-development-database--ldd-) and a summary table has been provided with the data for 2018/19. This does not include permissions where the loss or gain of floorspace is below 1,000 sqm.
The London Development Database is due to be replaced with the new Planning London Datahub. This will draw permissions data directly from the boroughs without the need for manual input, which will improve the timeliness and accuracy of the data. The first phase of the project will be going live over the summer, with the second phase – which will provide a range of specific data about development proposals, including uses and floorspace – going live later in the year.
Net A use class floorspace approved during 2018/19
Borough
A1 shops (m2)
A2 financial and professional services (m2)
A3 restaurants and cafes (m2)
A4 drinking establishments (m2)
A5 hot food takeaways (m2)
Barking and Dagenham
4,296
0
0
0
0
Barnet
3,947
0
866
0
0
Bexley
-1,000
1,000
0
0
0
Brent
-2,316
0
0
0
0
Bromley
-3,777
0
0
0
0
Camden
-3,467
0
1,123
0
0
City of London
2,647
-1,253
20,142
0
0
Croydon
-97,845
30,052
31,552
31,552
31,552
Ealing
-4,121
0
0
0
0
Enfield
0
0
0
0
0
Greenwich
1,338
1,663
4,103
0
0
Hackney
2,782
1,365
1,365
1,365
0
Hammersmith and Fulham
4,127
0
3,204
0
0
Haringey
9,551
0
2,000
0
0
Harrow
0
0
0
0
0
Havering
3,489
0
0
0
0
Hillingdon
106
1,111
1,111
0
0
Hounslow
-2,451
0
1,409
0
0
Islington
0
-1,298
0
0
0
Kensington and Chelsea
-5,079
0
0
0
0
Kingston upon Thames
1,620
0
0
0
0
Lambeth
2,544
1,197
1,197
1,197
1,197
Lewisham
-14,837
-1,069
1,890
1,890
0
London Legacy DC
2,500
1,500
3,000
2,000
0
Merton
-1,188
0
0
0
0
Newham
1,668
1,350
1,350
1,350
0
Old Oak and Park Royal DC (OPDC)
0
0
0
0
0
Redbridge
-21,791
0
0
0
0
Richmond upon Thames
0
0
0
0
0
Southwark
1,346
1,337
2,940
1,337
0
Sutton
-2,819
0
1,514
0
0
Tower Hamlets
-2,257
0
4,771
0
0
Waltham Forest
2,923
0
2,923
0
0
Wandsworth
19,900
30,918
5,447
6,766
5,379
Westminster
1,896
-1,141
8,945
0
0
Grand Total
-96,268
66,732
100,852
47,457
38,128
elopment Database
Note: Only permissions proposing a loss or gain of 1,000m2 are included in the data set
Permissions for A-class floorspace are usually flexible, permitting a maximum within a range of uses. This may not be restricted to A1-A5, but could also include others such as B1 and D1. When recording the data, the Local Planning Authority will often split the floorspace evenly across the uses, even though it is unlikely that the final distribution will be equal.

Home Working

Shaun Bailey: What steps are you taking to support London businesses and employees adapt to an increase in home working?

The Mayor: Working from home has helped to suppress the virus in London and save lives. London’s Growth Hub has information for employers on homeworking including collaboration tools and information on managing mental health.
Not every employer has the resources to support such a fundamental change in working patterns. I have written to tech companies to ask for donations of devices for voluntary organisations struggling to maintain their services remotely and get these devices connected.
The GLA’s Connected London team has been working with broadband operators to ensure they address faults and using its relationships across London’s boroughs to help facilitate essential works and resolve issues quickly and effectively.
Broadband has been a critical service throughout the crisis but parts of London are still not receiving an acceptable service. I will continue to use City Hall to press the Government and connectivity providers to connect underserved areas.

Early years

Jennette Arnold: Many private nurseries and early years providers have closed altogether, leaving some key workers without childcare. Do you agree with me that the Government urgently needs to provide additional early years funding, and how could your Early Years Hubs help to support capacity in their local area?

The Mayor: London’s early years sector plays an essential part in the capital's economy, providing access to high-quality early education and childcare, and enabling parents to work. I am grateful to the sector for their continuing hard work, especially during these unprecedented times.
During the lockdown, London saw a rapid closure of childcare settings and increased pressure on those that remained open. Since 1 June, more nurseries are opening their doors to all children. However, there is widespread concern that the financial impact on nurseries will be so significant that many will not reopen. A survey carried out by childcare.co.uk found nearly a sixth of providers could close permanently as a result of the pandemic.
That’s why I wrote to the Secretary of State for Education to demand further financial support to the early years sector, access to a recovery fund and to one-to-one business support.
Here in London, my Early Years Hubs have continued to support their members throughout the pandemic. On 27 May, as part of my Early Years Leaders Programme, early years practitioners accessed a webinar aimed specifically to support re-opening of their settings. Nurseries and childminders can also access free business support through my London Growth Hub.

Support for Inner London Businesses

Shaun Bailey: How are you specifically supporting inner London businesses during the Covid-19 Pandemic?

The Mayor: I have invested an additional £1 million intoextending business support over the coming 12 months to help small businesses through the current crisis and period of recovery.
In April, I committed £2.3 million in grant funding to support London’s cultural and creative industries. I also launchedthePay it ForwardcampaignwithCrowdfunder.
Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, I was pleased to announce that my London Growth Hub business support initiative had opened five physical hubs across London, including sites in Haringey and Croydon. I have since established an online Covid-19 support hub offering a range of key online resources and our business support programmes have pivoted to deliver Covid-19 specific business support that is available via telephone and through online platforms. This support is helping hundreds of businesses each month and is accessible to all London businesses across inner and outer London.
The London Growth Hub has also established a Covid-19 business support hub as part of its website and is publishing a range of factsheets, checklists and tools as well as providing sign-posting to Government support and sector-specific initiatives. All this information is available at www.growthhub.london.

Support for Outer London Businesses

Shaun Bailey: How are you specifically supporting outer London businesses during the Covid-19 Pandemic?

The Mayor: I have invested an additional £1 million intoextending business support over the coming 12 months to help small businesses through the current crisis and period of recovery.
In April, I committed £2.3 million in grant funding to support London’s cultural and creative industries. I also launchedthePay it ForwardcampaignwithCrowdfunder.
Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, I was pleased to announce that my London Growth Hub business support initiative had opened five physical hubs across London, including sites in Haringey and Croydon. I have since established an online Covid-19 support hub offering a range of key online resources and our business support programmes have pivoted to deliver Covid-19 specific business support that is available via telephone and through online platforms. This support is helping hundreds of businesses each month and is accessible to all London businesses across inner and outer London.
The London Growth Hub has also established a Covid-19 business support hub as part of its website and is publishing a range of factsheets, checklists and tools as well as providing sign-posting to Government support and sector-specific initiatives. All this information is available at www.growthhub.london.

Affordable homes (2)

Andrew Boff: What percentage of all developments approved since 2016 have met your target for 35% affordable homes? Please provide a breakdown by financial year.

The Mayor: The proportion of schemes delivering 35 per cent or more affordable housing has increased since 2016 and the introduction of the 35 per cent threshold in my Affordable Housing and Viability Supplementary Planning Guidance in August 2017. This rose from 27 per cent in 2016/17, to 32 per cent in 2017/18, 34 per cent in 2018/19 and 39 per cent in 2019/20.
These figures include a large number of smaller sites of 10 to 50 homes where it can be more difficult to deliver affordable housing and attract demand from housing associations given the smaller number of homes involved. For larger schemes that I consider under my planning powers which account for a much greater number of homes, more than half of schemes achieved 35 per cent or more by habitable room in 2018 (52 per cent) and more than three quarters achieved 35 per cent or more in 2019 (77 per cent). My approach to affordable housing delivery through the planning system will carry greater weight once my new London Plan has been adopted which should help to increase the delivery of much needed affordable homes further.
Notes: The data is provided by boroughs for the London Development Database (09/06/2020). It relates to full and outline permissions for schemes with 10 or more residential units which are required to provide onsite affordable housing. The data for 2019/20 is incomplete so is indicative only. The data for referable applications is monitored by the GLA and relates to schemes considered at Stage 2 of the referral process.

UK/EU Transition Period

Joanne McCartney: Should the government ask for an extension to the Transition Period? You have already commissioned research examining the effects of a no- deal scenario, but how will the COVID-19 affect these projections for London?

The Mayor: I have written to the Government to propose such an extension. The Covid-19 pandemic poses an even graver threat to Londoners’ jobs and livelihoods than Brexit; with a global recession now unavoidable.
GLA Economics’ latest forecasts are based on the Bank of England’s and OBR’s recent Covid-19 scenarios. They estimate that London’s real Gross Value Added growth rate could reduce by 16.8 per cent this year. This growth rate is then expected to rebound to 17.2 per cent in 2021 before returning to a more normal figure in 2022 (4.5 per cent). However, the scenarios assume both that a trade deal will be struck with the EU and that there will not be a second wave of the pandemic. The terms of the EU trade deal and the scale of the pandemic will greatly affect the speed and scale of economic recovery.

Coronavirus Fixed Penalty Notices

Unmesh Desai: Please could you provide a percentage breakdown, by Basic Command Unit, of the type of offences that resulted in Coronavirus related Fixed Penalty Notices being reported to the criminal records office?

The Mayor: Coronavirus Fixed Penalty Notices are imposed when public health regulations are breached. This is only one type of offence, so it cannot be broken down further. The offence is not notifiable, which means that it does not result in a criminal record and is not reported to the criminal records office.

Blue plaques

Murad Qureshi: How many blue plaques were put up by the GLC and LCC separately during their rein over London government?

The Mayor: There are approximately 950 blue plaques in London. The London County Council (1903-1965) put up 250, and the Greater London Council (1966-1985) put up 262. English Heritage has run the scheme since 1986 and has put up over 430 additional plaques.
I have recently announced a new Commission for Diversity in the Public Realm to review how we improve diversity across our public realm to ensure our street names, squares and statues properly reflect our city’s achievements and diversity. There will be an open call for up to 15 independent members of the Commission. The terms of reference for the Commission are being drafted and developed in consultation with councils, community groups and other key stakeholders.

Green recovery (1)

Leonie Cooper: You previously committed to investing £50m in a Green New Deal for London. Could this help London’s post-coronavirus economic recovery whilst also tackling the climate emergency?

The Mayor: I committed to the Green New Deal as a way of tackling the climate emergency, creating jobs and supporting a just transition. This is even more relevant today as we plan London’s post-coronavirus economic recovery. While we have to take into account the financial challenges presented by Coivd-19, a cleaner, greener recovery for London needs to support the transition of the economy to one that is inclusive, resilient, low carbon and circular.
I have set up and chair the London Recovery Board which will take an overview of the city’s recovery. The principles of the Green New Deal, including creating green jobs, addressing inequalities, and tackling the climate emergency, are embedded within this board and will influence all activity we undertake as part of our recovery.

Consumer and Business Confidence Messaging

Tony Devenish: A leading business group asked me to enquire what positive messaging to build consumer and business confidence have you issued since 23rd March?

The Mayor: I am determined to do everything we can to help London’s businesses, of all sizes and from all sectors, stay afloat though the pandemic into the recovery.
London & Partners has launched ‘Because I’m a Londoner’, a city-wide campaign backed by an alliance of London businesses to restore consumer confidence and encourage a responsible recovery in consumer spending. The mission is to support London’s culture, retail, hospitality, and events sectors to thrive after coronavirus. This will help protect the jobs of Londoners and secure the unique culture and lifestyle that make London a global magnet for talent and investment.
London & Partners also launched Virtually London in April, which aims to give London’s tourist attractions a global digital platform to keep London top of mind for visitors from further afield, as well as a virtual site visits resource for event planners looking to host a future event in London.

Covid 19: Health and safety [2]

Andrew Dismore: Are you satisfied with the resources available to and activities of London Local Authorities in relation to enforcing health and safety in offices, shops and hospitality premises in light of the Covid 19 pandemic?

The Mayor: Together with the Health and Safety Executive, Local Authorities (LAs) are responsible for enforcing health and safety legislation. Together they ensure that employers manage the health and safety of their workforce and those affected by their work.
I speak regularly with London Councils and they have made it clear that LAs are currently working at capacity to deliver the measures to support the immediate reopening of highstreets, as well as working on long-term recovery plans.It is imperative that LAs are sufficiently resourced in order to manage the Covid-19 crisis.
Local Authorities are providing critical case specific advice to independent, small businesses that may not be able to access other technical advice. In addition, they have funding pressures from managing of queues and stewarding, as well as public realm management to provide additional space for safe distancing.

Ensuring people can follow NHS Trace instructions

Onkar Sahota: What actions are you taking to encourage employers to proactively support and enable their workers - directly employed or not - to isolate if told to do so by NHS Trace, including through provision of enhanced sick pay?

The Mayor: If we are going to contain this virus it is vitally important that everyone continues to follow Government advice on self-Isolation. Employers have a significant role to play, they will need to continue to support those workers who are required to self-isolate throughout this difficult period and not ask them to attend the workplace.
I have communicated this important message through the Growth Hub (London’s business advice service) and the Employment Rights Hub. They both now include information and resources related to coronavirus, including health and safety, workplace safety and time off work and whistleblowing. This information is available in 20 languages and includes video content to make sure the message is getting out loud and clear.
Over the past year through the Good Work Standard, I have also been encouraging employers to offer workers enhanced paid leave including sick leave.

Hospitality sector

Leonie Cooper: What impact has the COVID-19 pandemic had on London’s hospitality sector and what support have you been able to provide during this? Is there any more that the Government can do to support this sector?

The Mayor: London’s hospitality sector has been severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and with the loss of income lasting several months, many businesses may struggle to survive. Whilst government action including the furlough scheme have been a lifeline for many, rent and cashflow continue to be a challenge for the sector, despite government support measures.
In response to these challenges the London Growth Hub has been providing tailored business support and guidance. I have also launched Pay it Forward London – a crowdfunding scheme to help business in the sector to stay afloat. Once reopened, social distancing guidelines will mean that the sector will be operating at a greatly reduced capacity, further hampering the industry’s ability to recover.
I will continue to make the case to Government on the need for extensive ongoing support for the sector, including improving access to business support grants, for a long-term solution on rents, and continued support for the sector once the job retention scheme ends.

Support for creative industries during the coronavirus crisis

Caroline Russell: On 30 April 2020 you launched a new emergency £2.3 million fund to support culture and creative industries at risk due to the impact of coronavirus. How many of these: a) businesses, and b) individuals do you estimate need economic support as a result of the coronavirus pandemic?

The Mayor: COVID-19 has had a catastrophic impact on London’s creative sector, which is worth £58.4 billion a year. A new report by Oxford Economics commissioned by the Creative Industries Federation has projected London will be the hardest hit, losing one in six creative jobs (109,800) by the end of 2020, with a 25 per cent (£14.6bn) drop in creative industries GVA. That is over of half the total UK-wide economic impact.
My Culture at Risk Business Support Fund is providing emergency assistance to sustain cultural and creative venues most at risk of falling into administration, and who are largely unable to benefit from Government schemes or funding from Arts Council England. The fund was available to support up LGBTQ+ venues; affordable creative workspaces and their tenants and 15 of London’s 25 independent cinemas. The fund supports both business and individuals - creative buildings and their occupants. The creative economy is a significant London-wide asset which can play a vital economic and social role in accelerating the capital’s and the nation’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
I am doing everything I can, but the need for Government support to secure this key industry has now reached a critical point.

Councils allowing developers to defer affordable housing payments (2)

Siân Berry: I understand that you and the Deputy Mayor for Planning, Regeneration and Skills recently wrote to the Government about Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) obligations. Will you share this letter?

The Mayor: I wrote to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government on 11th May 2020 proposing planning measures to support the early and robust recovery of the development industry which will be important for London’s wider economic recovery. This included extensions to statutory timescales in planning legislation to ensure that existing permissions can be built out and deferral of CIL payments during the lockdown period to help support delivery.
My letter stressed the importance of delivering high quality places and homes that benefit people’s health and well-being, and called on the government to provide a new affordable housing settlement for London which better reflects the role that the public sector must play in supporting delivery. I also re-iterated my concerns regarding the conversion of offices to residential without planning controls and the impact of sub-standard accommodation on residents’ health and well-being which is even more significant during the lockdown period.
The letter is available on london.gov here: https://www.london.gov.uk/sites/default/files/rt_hon_robert_jenrick_mp_planning_11_may_2020.pdf

Probation Service

Joanne McCartney: There are reports that probation rehabilitation services will be renationalised, as were offender management services last year, thereby reversing the hugely damaging privatisation of probation services in 2014. What relationship and input would you like City Hall to have with a wholly renationalised probation service?

The Mayor: The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has recently announced that the unpaid work and accredited programmes that were due to go out to the market will now be delivered by the National Probation Service (NPS), which completes the renationalisation of the service.
I am cautiously encouraged by this, after the government’s hugely damaging privatisation of the probation service. However, it is vital that City Hall and London boroughs are fully engaged in this new service. My Deputy Mayor and MOPAC have been actively engaging with the MoJ and have provided detailed feedback on the proposed new model and how it can be best adapted to suit the needs and priorities of London.
I have advocated strongly for formal co-commissioning arrangements between my office and the NPS London. This would improve the integration of services and support the development of sustainable delivery models to address the complex causes of offending in London.

COVID-19 Related Arrests and Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) Issued to Black Individuals

Caroline Pidgeon: The latest figures released by the Met for FPNs issued during lockdown show that despite only making up around 12% of the population, black individuals account for 26 per cent of the FPNs issued. Additionally, for COVID-19 legislation breaches black individuals have accounted for 31 per cent of all arrests during the lockdown period. Why do you believe this is, and will you be discussing these statistics with the Met Police to try and better understand why this is the case?

The Mayor: We do still have much more to do to build trust, confidence and understanding between the police and London’s diverse communities.
That’s why I am working closely with the Met Commissioner, taking a zero-tolerance approach to racism and discrimination, and striving to ensure the Met’s workforce is truly representative of our city at all levels.
And it’s why I have commissioned my Deputy Mayor for Communities and Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime to work with police and communities to draw up an action plan for improving trust and confidence, transparency and accountability and will be looking at enacting it as quickly as possible while understanding we are dealing with very deep rooted issues. The police have come a long way but there is more that needs to be done.

Disorder in Whitehall (4)

Peter Whittle: To ask the Mayor how many arrests were made by the Metropolitan Police officers during the Black Lives Matter protest in central London on 3 June 2020?

The Mayor: In total 13 people were arrested in relation to the protests in central London on the 3rd June 2020.

Converted office space

Murad Qureshi: According to Deloitte, from Oct 2019 to March 2020, work began on 5 million sq ft of office space in London. How much of this potential office space could be converted into residential developments?

The Mayor: Fortunately, the Government’s permitted development that allows conversion of offices to residential use without the need for planning permission only applies to offices that were in use prior to 30 May 2013.
In some instances, permission may be sought to convert newly built offices to residential use, though it is expected that this would be limited. Over time, some office sites may become surplus.
My new London Plan seeks to retain office floorspace in existing viable office locations across London and includes policies that support the retention of office space in the Central Activities Zone and Northern Isle of Dogs. Where appropriate, the Plan supports the conversion or redevelopment of office sites that are genuinely redundant to other uses including residential. Applications would be assessed against London Plan and Local Plan policies, including those that require genuinely affordable housing and set out space and amenity standards, as well as the National Planning Policy Framework, which seeks to ensure that sufficient land of the right types is available in the right places and at the right time to support growth, innovation and improved productivity.

Lockdown: speeding

Andrew Dismore: How many speeding offences have been and are being prosecuted by the Met since the start of the lockdown; how many speeding offences have been disposed of by means other than prosecution and how does this compare with the same period last year?

The Mayor: Please find attached the requested data for the period specified. It should be noted that many of the lockdown offences will still be marked as an ongoing investigation, owing to the recent nature of the offence.

Draft London Plan

Susan Hall: Will you amend your draft London Plan to encourage building houses with gardens rather than high rise blocks of flats?

The Mayor: My draft London Plan already encourages the most appropriate form of development for a site, including the provision of private external amenity space for all residents. My draft London Plan strongly promotes both private and public green space, including in policies D6 Housing quality and standards, D8 Public realm, G4 Open space and G5 Urban greening. These policies do not preclude houses with gardens.
However, building only, or predominantly, houses with gardens would be unlikely to satisfy other policies in the London Plan. Low density development would require significant areas of land to meet London’s housing needs, eroding London’s Green Belt and impacting on biodiversity. This form of development does not support the provision of public transport, and can privatise currently accessible open land in the form of residential gardens. Whilst there is no doubt that we need to ensure that people have access to high quality housing, safe and useable outdoor space, we must consider the needs and well-being of society as a whole and the environment more widely.
In this regard and in light of COVID-19, my officers will consider whether any measures can be recommended through my Good Growth by Design Guidance when designing private and public amenity and open spaces. I am also developing a new Public London Charter. The Charter advocates for public realm that is open, accessible and inclusive, and offers the highest level of public access irrespective of land ownership, with landowners promoting and encouraging public use of public space for all communities.

GLA Funding for London and Partners

Susan Hall: Please can you list the total amount of GLA funding for London and Partners for each year May-April from 2016 to 2020?

The Mayor: The annual payments the Mayor has made to L&P since 2016 are listed below:
Year
GLA Grant
2015-16
£11,825,000
2016-17
£11,490,000
2017-18
£12,252,000
2018-19
£13,655,000
2019-20
£13,456,000